American College of Attorneys Best of the Bar Award
10.0 Avvo Superb Lawyer Rating
Top 100 Trial Lawyers Award
Orlando Top Lawyers 2012 - 2024
Best Lawyers in America Award
Super Lawyers 2024 Award
Florida Legal Elite Award
Best Lawyers 2024 Award
Orlando Sentinel Best Bets Lawyer Award

Burglary Charge in Florida, and I Did Not Steal Anything!

Our criminal defense attorneys often assist individuals arrested on burglary charges. Many of these clients come to us wondering how they can be arrested for the crime of burglary when they have in fact not broken into someone’s home or business and they have not stolen any property.

Most people’s conception of “burglary” can be imagined by the thought of the masked thief breaking in the second story window, snatching valuables from a safe, stuffing them into a bag and vanishing into the night. The cat-burglar and safecracker shape the motif in which burglary is envisioned for most.

In Florida however, there are a multitude of different episodes which measure up to the crime of burglary.

What Defines a Burglary Charge?

State statutes vary in their definitions. Florida defines the crime basically as unlawfully entering or remaining inside a residence, business, building or vehicle – with the intent to commit a crime therein.

Here is where most people are unfamiliar with the realities of a burglary charge:

  • The intended crime in a burglary offense is not limited to theft. The predetermined offense could be anything from stealing something, to vandalism, computer crime, carjacking, kidnapping, to murder or any other criminal act.
  • A person can be charged for burglary even if they did not use forced entry. The concept of “breaking and entering” does apply to the offense of burglary and often is the case – but it is not required. For instance in Florida, burglary can mean that a person entered a home or business through an open door (without permission) in order to carry out a criminal act. Or a person hid inside a place of business and remained there after the business closed its doors to the public, and that person did so for the purpose of committing a criminal offense of some sort.
  • The intended crime does not have to be completed for the requirements of burglary to be met; simply the entry in combination with the intent to commit a crime will satisfy.

What if No Criminal Act Occurred? 

Burglary is a crime that hinges on the element of intent to commit a crime. Yet what if no criminal act actually took place?

In some circumstances, Orlando law enforcement have been able to charge a person for burglary simply on the basis of entering the structure.

For example: the offender unlawfully enters someone’s basement in order to sell prescription drugs, but they are scared off or arrested before any drug crime takes place. That is still considered burglary because the defining moment was when the person entered the structure without permission with the intention of executing a drug deal. Nothing was stolen yet a premeditated crime was attempted in an unlawfully entered structure – and under Florida law that is considered burglary.

Learn more about the penalties associated with burglary charges in Florida and the criminal defenses against burglary that may be raised.

Orlando Defense Attorneys, Ready to Fight for You

Burglary is a highly misunderstood area of criminal law. If you are facing a burglary charge in Florida, contact TK Law for a free consultation without delay. We will protect your rights and work to get the charges pled down or dismissed entirely. Let us know about your case and let us help you.

Phone: 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376)

HOW TO GET STARTED

Make Your Best Decision Today

STEP 1

Schedule your case review so we can help you.

STEP 2

Consultation

During your consultation we’ll review your options and see if we’re a right fit for you.

STEP 3

Representation

If we take on your case, you’ll be represented by the best.

Get Your Free Case Evaluation Today

The Orlando divorce lawyers at TK Law are deeply committed to the individuals and families they serve. We are here to help you resolve each legal concern so you can regain control and move forward with your life. You will also have a steadfast, accomplished advocate in your corner to fight for what matters most if a dispute goes to trial.

We know how overwhelming conflict can be and how painful it is to see a marriage end. We will guide you through this difficult process before, during and after your divorce.

Contact our offices today to schedule a confidential consultation with one or our family law attorneys, or call us at 855-572-6376.

407-834-4847

#1 RATED DIVORCE LAW FIRM IN SEMINOLE COUNTY*​

Our best awards are
client victories

Roy P.
Mar. 2024
Read More
Gastell and Kayla were awesome! They helped me make it through a very challenging time in my life with kindness and compassion. They were always available to answer my questions and kept me up to date. Their counsel was extremely helpful in aiding a resolution that I am very satisfied with.
Carmen D.
Mar. 2024
Read More
I give this law firm a 5 star. Ray and Janelise helped us with our probate issue and made the process a lot easier for us to finalized all of it. We're very thankful to this law office and recommend them for any legal issues.Thank you Janelisse and Ray and the entire office .
Alysia T.
Jan. 2024
Read More
I am thankful to Janelise and Kayla at TK Law for a fantastic job. Kayla guided me through every step of my divorce process. She is patient, professional, and honest. I highly recommend them!
Chris O.
Dec. 2023
Read More
This was first experience hiring a law firm and I am very happy that I hired TK Law. My attorney Janelise and Paralegal Kayla were kind, knowledgeable and made the process easy. They were quick to respond when I needed revisions to my document and the final outcome was perfect. If I ever need legal help in the future, I will not hesitate to contact TK Law again.

*Top-rating from clients and award publications such as Orlando Weekly, US News & more.​

GET YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION TODAY

Schedule Your Case Evaluation

We offer payment plans, accept credit cards, are available for evening appointments and our main office is conveniently located right off of I-4, between 436 and 434. For immediate help call: 407-834-4847.

Disclaimer

The information found here is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any situation or individual case. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

Contact

Phone: 407-834-4847
999 Douglas Ave #3333, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714

Service Areas

Orange & Seminole County, Florida.

Social
Resources